1/9 Update: Here are the game grades for the Wisconsin/MSU game on Wednesday night.
1/9 Update:
Here are the game grades for the Wisconsin/MSU game on Wednesday night.
Generally speaking, an outstanding game for the Badgers. They did a nice job of effectively working for shots, splitting the load among 6 different players. The passing was up a notch from the previous two games. Defensively, they were aggressive on the boards, keeping the Spartans off the offensive glass in particular. They also did a very nice job of doubling up on the offensively challenged yet tough big men of Michigan State, forcing them to find the open man through the double team. When they were able to accomplish this, it only surrendered perimeter jumpers, which MSU does not excell in. It was nice to not have to face a light's out shooter for a change.
Andy Kowske: B
Kowkse's main priority on Wednesday was to keep Antonio Smith off the glass, which he did very adequately. In addition, he provided some bonus post offense early in the game, establishing him as a threat. He is not yet a polished offensive force as we know, but at times he does show a nice knack around the basket. When he does establish himself to the tune of 8-10 points, it is huge for the Badgers.
Charlie Wills: D
Wills play was reflected in his playing time (5 minutes), as Charlie continues to struggle as the competition has taken a step up in conference play. He had one very bad force on offense and his defense was marginal to say the least as he was outmuscled on the interior and caught out of position.
Sean Mason: B
Sean did a nice job of not forcing the action which limited his shots (9), but kept the flow of the offensive continuous. A couple of silly fouls late in the game and an early injury kept his minutes down a bit and he didn't get to the line at all. Still, a solid effort, as Mason not only hit his shots, but got others involved with some heady passes when the defense focused on him.
Ty Calderwood: A-
Calderwood was excellent. 5 for 7 from the field, 4 assists to only 1 turnover, and 3 rebounds in only 21 minutes due to some foul trouble (which will happen against Cleaves). Defensively, he drew the main assignment against Cleaves and was effective in forcing him to the perimeter, where Mateen couldn't throw the ball into the ocean. Mateen got into the lane a couple of times to force some fouls, but overall those forays where held in check.
Mike Kelley: A
Of course I am probably biased as I make no secret of my admiration for the way Kelley plays basketball, but other than a couple of outside clankers, he played a near flawless game. He kept his shots reasonable, so that he did hit 2 of 4. He made 7 of 8 free throws. He contributed 5 assists, 3 steals (though I thought he had more), 4 rebounds, and 0 turnovers. Defensively, he kept the MSU perimeter game under control. If this guy ever learns how to shoot, look out.
Hennssy Auriantal: D
A tough game for Hennssy in limited minutes as he turned the ball over a couple of times and failed to get into the flow of the game. He also drew Bennett's wrath as he cogged up the offense a few times by holding/dribbling the ball too long. He has seemingly fallen into the role of 10-15 minute defensive stopper with the continued development of Kelley and Bryant. In my view, this is a good sign for the Badgers as this is what his role should always have been. In general, Auriantal playing significant minutes is NOT a good sign, even though I really admire his ability to play the ball and provide ball pressure.
Jon Bryant: B+
After an invisibility act in the first half, Jon came out with a head of steam in the second and was a key to the Badger win. Bryant provided an outside threat, but also was able to create some offense off of some inside cuts and heady play (see the follow on Mason's three). He also helped out on the defensive end with a couple of tough boards and at least one big loose ball recovery. 0 turnovers as well, which is a key element of guard play.
Mark Vershaw: B+
Very similar to Bryant in that Vershaw was a non-factor in the first half (Bennett called him a "sissy"), Vershaw came to play in the second half and was outstanding. He provided a bit of everything: some post offense, both his own and through some nice interior passes, gritty defensive positioning, some solid screens freeing the perimeter shooters, an effective rebounding presence, and solid ball control (1 turnover in 32 minutes which is pretty good considering how often he handled the ball). As we all know, when the Badgers get good play from Vershaw, Kowske, Bryant, Kelley, or anyone else besides Mason and Calderwood, the Badgers are tough to beat.
Maurice Linton: C
Maurice hit a big jumper in the second half, but did not play a whole lot, in part I believe to the very physical nature of the MSU front line, which gives him troubles strength wise.
Duany Duany: INC
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